NBA Basketball
2011-01-27 - Boston Celtics at Portland
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Thursday 27 January 2011 - Tip-Off 10:30pm ET
3:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Boston Celtics (34-10) received a nice present off the bench in their win over the Cleveland Cavaliers as Kendrick Perkins made his return from injury. That is perhaps a little bit of irony as they head to the West Coast to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (25-21) whose star players always seem to be getting hurt.
Perkins had 7 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in the 18 minutes he was given in the comfortable win last time out. That was a timely boost to the team as they now take part in a 4 game road trip out West most likely without Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal.
The win against the terrible Cavaliers was also a timely boost for the ego of the Celtics after they had thrown away a game at the Washington Wizards previously.
Boston have lost 4 of their last 6 road games, including the game at Washington, but the players have good memories about playing Portland. Rajon Rondo had 10 points and 10 assists in his previous game against them, while the big three of Ray Allen (21 points), Kevin Garnett (16 points) and Paul Pierce (season high 28 points) have all had success against the Trail Blazers this season.
If it wasn't enough that Brandon Roy is out indefinitely and Greg Oden is done for the season, the curse of Portland was hit with another key injury on Monday. LaMarcus Aldridge has been having a breakout season as he begins to lead the team but had to undergo a MRI scan on Monday. There was no damage reported and he should play here, but we can be sure he will not be at 100%.
Chris Johnson has been signed to a 10 day contract by the Trail Blazers if Aldridge cannot play and should see some extended minutes anyway.
Head to Head
Boston won the game between the teams earlier this season at home to improve their recent record to 10-1 straight up against Portland.
The Celtics have won 7 of their last 10 games at the Rose Garden and are 4-1 against the spread in recent games there.
Boston are 9-3 against the spread in the last 12 games overall and the road team is 15-6 in the series.
Portland are 12-10 against the spread at home this season, Boston are 11-8 on the road.
The Trail Blazers are 2-1-2 against the spread when having 2 days rest, Boston are 9-10-1 on 1 days rest.
Other Interesting Notes
Portland are 33-12 against the spread at home when considered the underdog.
However, they are just 2-5 against the spread in their last 7 at home and are 5-12 here following a double digit home loss.
Boston are 2-9-1 against the spread following a straight up win.
They are just 1-5 against the spread when playing a team with a winning home record.
Prediction
Even though some of the trends do go against me, I am favouring Boston to win this game and cover the spread for these reasons: Firstly, the team of veterans were embarrassed by their collapse against Washington recently to lose that game and looked in ominous mood when dismantling the poor Cleveland team.
Secondly, the return of Kendrick Perkins gives them an additional inside threat to go along with Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis. Portland have a young team that may find it tough against these veterans.
Thirdly, the potential limitation on LaMarcus Aldridge will make it that much tougher for the Portland Offense to really worry the Celtics.
And finally, Boston have an incredible recent record against Portland and that familiarity may make it easier to deal with this road game.
I'll take the Celtics to win this game and cover the spread.
The Pick :
Portland Trail Blazers 88-98 Boston Celtics
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll take the Boston Celtics - 4.5 PointsFollow me on Twitter @DavindaAulak- the direct link is below
